Quercus by June Tabor, Iain Ballamy & Huw Warren

June Tabor has been a mainstay on the English folk scene since the late 60s, along with her longtime saxophonist Iain Ballamy and pianist Huw Warren. The real surprise with Quercus is that it crops up under the wing of European jazz label ECM; however, a quick listen will confirm what a natural step this is for Tabor and her companions.

The album is actually a live recording from 2006, but you’d never be able to tell – the clarity of sound is perfect, as is the combination of voice, piano and saxophone. Tabor sings of love and betrayal, and she does new musical arrangements of famous works and poems by the likes of Shakespeare and George Butterworth.

Full of atmosphere and melancholia, this is one to immerse yourself in late into the night.


Paul Barr